Bill altering Ohio teacher evaluations re-routed

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- A proposal reducing the number of state-mandated evaluations required for well-rated public school teachers has been slipped into a fast-moving Senate bill as a way around House opposition.

The legislation unanimously cleared the GOP-led Senate in December, but has met resistance among some majority Ohio House Republicans.

In a surprise maneuver Tuesday, the Senate Education Committee added most of the legislation to a separate bill and it passed with all but one vote.

Senate Education Chair Peggy Lehner (LAY'-nuhr) said she expects similar language will be removed from a midterm budget bill on education that faces a compromise vote Tuesday.

The proposal was prompted by educators' concerns that Ohio's new evaluation rules that require more classroom observation sessions, reports and conferences are misdirecting district resources.